When interviewing for a new job, Americans overwhelmingly prefer an in-person meeting to a virtual format, according to the latest ASA Workforce Monitor^® online survey conducted by The Harris Poll.

In total, 70% of all Americans prefer in-person job interviews, compared with 17% who favor video calls and only 9% who prefer audio-only calls. Men (39%) are more likely to feel the need to get a haircut or change their hairstyle for an interview than women (23%). Additionally, Hispanic Americans (74%) are significantly more likely than their white counterparts (65%) to feel the need to modify their appearance before taking part in job interviews.

“Job seekers may prefer to have the option to work remotely, but they still want to make their first impressions in person. Unfortunately, far too many (67%) feel the need to modify their normal appearance in some way prior to a job interview,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “To attract the best talent and create more inclusive workplaces, employers need to send a clear message to candidates that they are hiring based on skills and not physical appearance or dress codes from another era.”